Second Place CTC Volunteer of the Year and Volunteer of the Year for the South East Region - Colin Waters

Colin Waters

Colin is the backbone of Fleet Cycling. He organises rides in Hampshire and even takes a group every year to the Semaine Fédérale in France. Colin was also instrumental in the creation of the Fleet bike path.

Colin runs a CTC group in Fleet in Hampshire. He leads many of the rides and regularly attends rides to encourage and support others.

The group is a mixture of ages and all the rides are well-organised and hugely enjoyable. Colin communicates regularly with members of the group and engages everyone in good discussions on the rides and the coffee stops. He is sensitive enough to know when folk just want to ride ‘in peace’. He always ensures that the group rides together, waits for slower cyclists and safety is always an issue he is keenly aware of.

A huge highlight of 2013 was the immensely successful Fleet bike path opening event held in September and supported by CTC, Hampshire Council and the local District Councillor. Over 2,000 people attended and the profile raised for CTC was invaluable. Colin was an integral part of the planning and advising group on this new path, which enables local school children to cycle safely off-road from Fleet to one of the comprehensive schools in the town. He has a justifiable sense of pride in this achievement.

Colin has responded positively to the new cyclists' initiative and has formed slow groups to ride on Friday mornings and has been supportive of CTC plans to start short rides in the area.

Colin has also developed a great relationship with the local bike shop, Pedal Heaven, who took an active role in the bike path opening event. He has set up a great new website www.fleetcycling.org.uk and is in discussions with CTC about the best relationship between CTC, North Hants and the growing Fleet group, which he has handled with tact, care and great sensitivity.

The group is a growing one with new riders joining and has just launched its own website, again 99% of the work having been done by Colin. Colin is a living example of what a CTC group leader should be.